Crisis Counselor III – Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)

FULL-TIME POSITION with an excellent benefits package is available in Oneida/Herkimer County with The Neighborhood Center, Inc.’s Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)

• $50,000/yr. (Includes $2,000 evening shift differential)
• 37.5-hour work week
• 4pm-12am – M-F (some flexibility required)
• 27 paid days off in year 1 (vacation & holidays), plus paid sick time!
• 4% flat 401k contribution (after 1 year)
• Employer paid life insurance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available
• Clinical setting with support staff and services
• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Supportive and inclusive organizational culture

Must reside in one of the following counties in New York State: Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego, Chenango, Delaware or Schoharie.

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Crisis Counselor III is a Bachelor Degree-level team member who provides intensive assessment, linkage and follow-up of individuals identified to be in acute psychiatric distress in various locations throughout the community or remotely as assigned. This team member will serve as the first Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) response to a crisis event in person, telephonically or virtually and engage a client in triage and crisis de-escalation practices. The CCIII may also serve as the secondary provider in conjunction with a Crisis Counselor for a full mental health assessment and evaluation. Further, they are responsible for referring clients to appropriate agencies for follow-up and ongoing services, assist with crisis de-escalation, facilitate a mental health assessment (when necessary), maintain and assist clients with establishing healthy, constructive living patterns to reduce the rates of recidivism into acute services. They will also triage mental health crisis requests and conduct brief interventions and linkage to higher level MCAT services for the purpose of crisis response and intervention. The CCIII is expected to work with a high degree of independence.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides short-term crisis intervention and diffusion to children and adults in the community which includes comprehensive mental health assessment, telephone assessment and lethality monitoring, outreach and follow-up services and linkage.
• Engages clients with telephonic and virtual crisis intervention on the local crisis line and 988 crisis line as assigned.
• Makes recommendations and assists in facilitating the appropriate level of treatment/services/supports.
• Assists law enforcement and other agencies in handling mental health and substance use related crisis.
• Maintains accurate documentation of client/agency contacts in accordance with program policy and procedure manual.
• Attends and actively participates in all required training, staff meetings and case conferences as required by agency administration.
• Engages in supervision on a regular basis.
• Engages in agency/program projects or work groups as assigned by the Program Director.
• Builds and fosters the development of collaborative relationships with community service providers.
• Makes recommendations and assists in facilitating the appropriate level of treatment/services/supports.
• Maintains a professional manner at all times, adhering to Neighborhood Center policy and procedures and in keeping with the Agency’s mission statement.
• Maintain a valid New York State driver’s license and have access to a usable vehicle if not operating remotely.
• Secure and maintain all necessary certification and professional licensing as dictated by profession and required qualifications.
• Performs other duties as requested by Agency Administration.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Drivers License
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and substance use issues affecting children and adults.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and substance use system issues, resources and the ability to effectively navigate these systems.
• Proven ability to maintain expectations for timeliness and accuracy in the performance of job functions.
• Demonstrated experience providing crisis intervention, de-escalation and diffusion to individuals and families in crisis.
• Proven work experience demonstrating organizational, assessment and communication skills commensurate with this position.
• Demonstrated skill set to work well with law enforcement and other community partners in handling mental health related crisis.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, or other closely related human service field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience. working in a human services agency including one (1) year of supervised experience providing services in a mental health setting required.

At The Neighborhood Center, Inc, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our organization and are dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes and values all individuals. We strive to create a culture that fosters respect, openness, and understanding, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for open positions.